Haberdashers’ Academies Trust South is a multi-academy trust consisting of four secondary and five primary schools. In September 2022, they partnered with Bookteq, by Playfinder, to enhance school lettings management at Crayford Academy and Hatcham College. These schools offer excellent facilities for a number of sports such as football, futsal, volleyball, netball, basketball, cricket, and badminton, as well as space hire for other activities.
The challenge
Recognising the potential within their facilities, Haberdashers’ Academy Trust South identified two challenges that needed attention. Firstly, they aimed to streamline their school lettings management process to alleviate the administrative burden on their team caused by managing bookings, reservations, invoicing, and generating reports manually. Secondly, the trust sought to increase bookings, both to improve revenue and encourage community participation. In September 2022, they took proactive steps to address these objectives.
The solution
Bookteq, by Playfinder, provided a comprehensive solution to address Haberdashers’ Academy Trust South’s challenges. The implementation included the integration of Bookteq’s Workspace and Playfinder’s facility marketplace at Crayford Academy and Hatcham College, leveraging both platforms to streamline bookings and enhance the facility’s visibility.
The results
1. Increased year-on-year school bookings by 37%
Their total bookings have increased drastically throughout the last 18 months. Comparing November 2022 to February 2023 to the same period one year later (Nov ‘23 – Feb ‘24) Haberdasher’s had increased bookings by 37%. This illustrates the MAT’s ability to accept and process more bookings through the Bookteq Workspace and Playfinder. This is common theme, as facility operators are able to gradually maximise their facility utilisation within the first couple of months of streamlining their bookings management through Bookteq.
2. Generated over £200,000 of revenue from school lettings
In the last 18 months Haberdashers Academy Trust South generated over £200,000 of lettings revenue through their facilities at Crayford Academy and Hatcham College. A number that is gradually increasing if you look at the overall bookings trend.
3. Playfinder generated over £10,000 of additional revenue
Having their facilities listed on Playfinder marketplace alone helped generate over £10,000 of additional income. These bookings predominantly originated from newcomers within the community who discovered their facilities via Google and the Playfinder app. This additional revenue has covered their Bookteq subscription fees more than five times over, complementing the positive impacts already evidenced from Bookteq’s software enhancements.
To wrap up
In summary, Haberdashers’ Academies Trust South’s partnership with Bookteq, by Playfinder, has demonstrated significant results. With over £200,000 in revenue generated, a notable 37% increase in bookings, and an extra £10,000 from Playfinder, the trust’s investment in modernising their schools lettings management has proven fruitful and is expected to continue delivering positive outcomes.
To explore how Bookteq can benefit your school, schedule a free demo today. Experience a more streamlined and effective approach to sports facility management with Bookteq. Your facility’s success is just a click away!
